LOS ANGELES (AP) - Howard Morris, best known for playing poetry-spouting hillbilly Ernest T. Bass on the "Andy Griffith Show," died at his home in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles. He was 85.
Morris died Saturday of natural causes, his son David said Monday.
He enjoyed a long show business career, but is best-remembered as the love-challenged hillbilly on "Andy Griffith." His fan Web site is named for the character that appeared in just a few episodes, but made a big impact with viewers.
Morris served in the Army's entertainment unit during World War II and was stationed in Hawaii. After the war, he had a brief stint as a Shakespearian actor.
In the 1950s, he joined a comedy sketch group including Carl Reiner and Imogene Coca on several TV variety shows, including "Admiral Broadway Review," "Your Show of Shows" and "Caesar's Hour."
After his work on "The Andy Griffith Show," Morris provided the voices for several animated television show characters, including Beetle Bailey and Atom Ant. He is also credited as the "third buffalo" in a Flintstones episode that aired in 1963.
He also directed TV shows and films, including the pilot episode of the Mel Brooks series "Get Smart," the Doris Day film "With Six you get Eggroll," and the film version of Woody Allen's "Don't Drink the Water," starring Jackie Gleason.
Morris was born in New York City on Sept. 4, 1919. He married and divorced five times.
Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press
The legacy Howard Morris left us with is one that will stand the test of time. His ability to go beyond the character and bring that character to life is such a testament to his gift as an actor. He will forever live in my heart as Ernest T Bass. He was truly a joy to watch over and over again as that character. Thank you for leaving us with joys in making us laugh and for all you taught us. Cheryl Talbot
Cheryl Talbot
January 09, 2025 | Va Beach, VA | Friend
Rest In Heaven
Leslie Redaway
October 16, 2024 | Paragould, AR | Friend
I always like him he was the best thing on the show
Michael Cantrell
August 18, 2024 | Bakersville, NC
He was what made "The Andy Griffith Show" worth watching. Too bad he wasn't in more episodes. He truly was a funny man!
Fernando Cepeda
November 24, 2021 | Berwyn, IL
Howard Morris Is A Funny Guy On The Andy Griffith Show He Is Sooooooooooooooooo Funny On The Show And He Makes Me Laugh Alot
Donna Kind
July 26, 2021 | Oskaloosa Iowa, IA | Friend
I love him in Mel Brook's "High Anxiety" and of course as Ernest T Bass! Rest in Peace sir, thank you for the joy.
October 13, 2020
I like him the best
michael cantrell
May 22, 2020 | Hiram, GA
Loved the character of Ernest T. Bass. Will never forget how much we always enjoyed watching Ernest. Thinking of Howard in Heaven and praying for his family.
Patricia Neal
May 01, 2020 | Gretna, VA | Friend
He was a beautiful person, funny on the Andy Gifffin show,He will be the best of ever, My prayer's and love goes out to family, just a wonderful man, he will be in are heart's for ever,
April 29, 2020